These are some of the programs the Foundation provided in 2009:

 Safe Courses-Sound horses

The course inspection and evaluation program that has been in existence for several years and is funded by the Foundation has resulted in dramatic improvements in racecourse conditions and increased safety in racing.

 

Drug testing at all NSA race meets

Especially with the increased sophistication of performance-enhancing and masking drugs, as well as the recently-enacted ban on steroid use by the NSA, funding this program, as the NSF does, and keeping it as up-to-date as possible is critical.

 

Support of amateur racing

The NSF distributed $20,000 in purse supplements for amateur races.  This not only encourages participation in the sport by amateur jockeys, but fosters hopefully long-term interest in the sport by amateurs who may go on to become owners and officials in the sport in the future.

 

Promotion of the sport

The Foundation supported a number of promotional endeavors for the sport, including partially funding television exposure.  With the increasing visibility and variety of all forms of media, this effort will continue to grow in importance.

In addition, in past years the NSF has fully or partially subsidized safety helmets, Pro-Cush whips, and safety wings at NSA race meets.  It also gives a $4,000 annual grant to the Marion du Pont Scott Equine Center that maintains a database that tracks equine injuries throughout the year.